[Shop-talk] Oil grade selection

[Steven Trovato]

So, you're not sure if you're a jeep or an old ford?  :-)  Seriously, 
though, I think you're pushing your luck a bit.  3000miles/ 3 years 
is conservative and perhaps unnecessary.  But 15K?  I know you say 
all your cars are running great, but that still doesn't make it a 
good idea.  As for the reformulation, the latest crop of motor oils 
have removed or greatly reduced a component called ZDDP.  There has 
been much talk in classic car circles about this, and the possible 
negative effect on "flat tappet" engines.  If you have such a car, I 
suggest you look at one the many articles on the subject.  Here are a 
couple of examples:

http://www.ttalk.info/Zddp.htm
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/flat_tappet_cam_tech/index.html

  Google on "ZDDP" and you'll find plenty more.  If you do not have 
such a car, then don't worry about it.

-Steve Trovato
strovato at optonline.net


At 01:02 PM 10/22/2008, Chip Mautz wrote:
>I'm a renegade, I guess - or maybe a maverick?  :-)
>I don't subscribe to the change early and often mantra, I go usually
>10-15k/oil change in my vehicles.